Amiibo Investment Guide: Which Splatoon & Zelda Figures Are Worth Buying After New Horizons 3.0

Facing New Horizons 3.0? A Market-Minded Amiibo Guide for Splatoon & Zelda Collectors

Hook: If you want the Splatoon and Zelda items added by Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0—or you're chasing potential resale gains—you need a plan now. The update (Jan 2026) has already pushed demand for compatible Amiibo: which to buy today, which to wait on, and how to avoid getting burned by shortages or fakes.

Why this matters in 2026

New Horizons 3.0 reinvigorated Nintendo collectible demand in late 2025 and early 2026. Game updates that gate cosmetic content behind Amiibo reliably drive short-term spikes on secondary marketplaces. Combine that with Nintendo's history of limited runs and occasional reprints, and you've got a market where timing, condition and provenance matter as much as the character on the box.

“Amiibo demand follows game-driven utility. Whenever a mainstream title ties exclusive cosmetics or furniture to figures, expect a short-term buying surge and an unpredictable resale window.”

Inverted-pyramid summary (quick takeaways)

• Buy now if you need in-game access immediately (Splatoon/Zelda furniture) or if a figure is a confirmed limited/retailer exclusive.
• Wait on common mass-market reprints—prices often dip after restocks.
• Shortages are likely for splinter SKUs and regional exclusives through Q2 2026; plan shipping and budget accordingly.
• Resale basics: sealed, region-variant, and retailer-exclusive Amiibo usually yield the highest ROI; shipping and platform fees can erase small margins.

How New Horizons 3.0 changed the Amiibo market

Animal Crossing: New Horizons' 3.0 update (January 2026) unlocked Zelda and Splatoon content that requires scanning compatible Amiibo before items appear for sale in-game. Source reports (GameSpot, Jan 16, 2026) confirmed Splatoon furniture and Zelda items are gated behind figures—an immediate utility for players and a fresh demand vector for sellers and collectors.

Historically, whenever Nintendo ties useful in-game content to Amiibo, two things happen:

1. Immediate player demand rises—people who don't own compatible figures buy now to access items.
2. Collectors buy as a hedge—some for personal collections, others to flip when short-term scarcity pushes prices up.

Which Splatoon Amiibo to buy now vs wait

Splatoon Amiibo are particularly valuable to players because the 3.0 update adds new furniture sets tied to those figures. But not all Splatoon Amiibo perform the same in the resale market.

Buy now

• Any officially compatible Splatoon figure if you want to unlock furniture immediately—don’t overpay, but don’t wait if you need items today.
• Retailer-exclusive color variants (if available in your region): these often see tighter supply and larger short-term premiums after an update.
• Mint-in-box collector sets produced in limited quantities—or those with unique packaging art—are safer investment targets.

Wait or avoid

• Common reprints of mass-market Splatoon figures—these are often restocked and hold less speculative upside.
• Cheap third-party bootlegs—avoid entirely. They have no resale value and can be blocked from in-game scanning.

Which Zelda Amiibo to buy now vs wait

Zelda Amiibo are a different animal. Iconic Zelda figures—Breath of the Wild Link, Champions set, and certain Smash variants—consistently command collector attention.

Buy now

• Champion Amiibo and Breath of the Wild-linked figures: historically durable as long-term holds, especially sealed.
• Retail exclusives and region variants: these often trend upward when new Zelda content or cross-promos arrive.

Wait or avoid

• Common franchise tie-ins that are frequently reprinted—they’re convenient for players, but poor speculative bets.
• Overbought hype pieces—when a figure goes viral after a game update, prices can spike and then correct dramatically once restocks land.

Shortages and timing: what to expect in 2026

Expect Q1–Q2 2026 to be the most volatile period after New Horizons 3.0. Key drivers:

• Immediate player demand for in-game unlocks.
• Collector speculation that pushes rare SKUs higher.
• Regional supply imbalances—some Amiibo are produced with region-specific packaging and distribution, creating local shortages.

Advice: if you need an Amiibo for gameplay, buy now even if the price is slightly above MSRP—time-limited content is only valuable when you can access it. If you’re strictly investing, pick the high-quality, limited-run targets below and be ready to hold through at least one console/gaming news cycle.

Top Amiibo picks for buyers and investors (Splatoon & Zelda focus)

Splatoon (player + short-term flip candidates)

• Inkling Girl/Boy (first-run variants) — great for immediate unlocking and often the first to show demand spikes.
• Squid variants and color-limited SKUs — potential short-term scarcity plays after the update.

Zelda (collector + long-term hold)

• Champions set (sealed) — consistent collector favorite and resilient in value.
• Breath of the Wild Link & exclusive variants — durable demand tied to ongoing Zelda content and re-releases.
• Smash series Zelda/Link exclusives — some retailer exclusives appreciate well due to scarcity.

Practical buying strategies: where to search, discounts and loyalty plays

Getting the right Amiibo at the right price requires active searching and smart stacking of offers. Here’s a playbook:

Official & primary retailers

• Nintendo Store: Watch for restocks and limited-run drops. Use My Nintendo notifications and official social channels for announcements.
• Big-box retailers (Best Buy, Target, Walmart): Use loyalty perks—Best Buy Totaltech early access, Target Circle discounts, Prime Early Access deals. In-store pickups can avoid shipping delays.
• GameStop: Leverage PowerUp benefits and trade-in credits to reduce net cost. GameStop sometimes holds exclusive variants.

Secondary marketplaces and deal hunting

• eBay & Mercari: Essential for out-of-stock SKUs. Use saved searches and set price alerts. Factor in seller ratings and shipping.
• Facebook Marketplace & local buy/sell groups: Great for lower prices and no-platform fees—meet in public spaces for safety.
• Yahoo Auctions Japan / Buyee: For region-exclusive variants. Account for international shipping and proxy fees.

Stacking discounts and bundles

• Stack retailer coupons with credit-card rewards and store loyalty points.
• Look for bundle clearances (game + Amiibo) at holiday sales—sometimes the bundle reduces per-item cost below MSRP.
• Consider refurbished or open-box Amiibo from trusted retailer outlets if you only need the in-game scan (they still work fine when functional).

Resale considerations: margins, fees and timing

Flipping Amiibo is not pure profit—fees, shipping, taxes and market liquidity matter. Here’s how to calculate whether a flip is worth it.

Understand the cost basis

• Purchase price (including taxes and shipping).
• Platform fees (eBay managed payments ~10–13% typical, Mercari ~10%).
• Shipping materials and postage (bubble mailers, insurance for high-value items).
• Listing costs or promotional fees for boosted visibility.

When to sell

• Short-term spikes: Sell quickly after a game update or holiday when demand is highest—this often nets the largest margins but carries risk if restocks occur.
• Long-term holds: Hold sealed, high-quality exclusives for 1–5 years if you can stomach illiquidity—some region rares appreciate with time.

Platform choice matters

• eBay: Best for high-visibility and international buyers; higher fees but often higher sale price.
• Mercari: Lower fees for mid-ticket items; quicker local interest.
• Local marketplaces: No platform fees, instant payment—ideal for quick turnarounds and avoiding shipping headaches.

Protect your investment: condition, provenance & authentication

Sealed box condition is everything for collectors. Even minor creases reduce value. Follow these steps:

1. Buy mint-in-box for reselling; photograph and archive receipts.
2. Check for region codes (JP/US/EU) and retailer labels—region exclusives can command premiums.
3. Avoid unsealed or damaged boxes unless the in-game utility is your only goal.
4. Use tamper-evident packaging and offer tracked/insured shipping on higher-value sales.

Red flags: fakes, inflated listings and common scams

• Extremely low-listed prices from new accounts—often scams or bootlegs.
• Photos that only show stock images—ask for in-hand pictures with a timestamped card.
• Unverified international sellers promising impossible shipping windows.

Practical checklist: Buy-now vs Wait decision flow

1. Do you need the Amiibo for in-game items today? If yes → buy now (prioritize functionality over perfect condition).
2. Are you buying strictly to invest? If yes → check rarity (limited-run, region exclusive, retailer exclusive) and recent price trends.
3. Is the SKU frequently reprinted? If yes → wait, unless a specific retailer variant is limited.
4. Can you buy sealed at or near MSRP using loyalty programs or bundles? If yes → buy (low risk).

Tools and trackers to watch in 2026

Use these tools to monitor supply and price movement:

• Saved searches and alerts on eBay/Mercari
• Price-tracking sites focused on collectibles (search “Amiibo price tracker” for live community tools)
• Discord/Reddit communities for immediate restock calls and verified seller feedback
• Retailer social feeds and Nintendo announcements for official restock clues

Real-world example (experience-led)

When prior Nintendo updates locked cosmetics to Amiibo, community-tracked restocks and regional shortages created rapid price swings. Experienced collectors who prioritized sealed, exclusive SKUs and used platform alerts captured the best margins. The lesson: a disciplined approach wins—don’t chase every spike without verifying rarity and fees first.

Ethics & community considerations

There’s a line between collecting and price-gouging. If you’re buying Amiibo primarily for in-game use, consider buying from fellow players at fair prices and avoid bulk hoarding that makes in-game content inaccessible to the community. For sellers, transparent listings and reasonable premiums build long-term reputation—valuable for repeat buyers.

Quick action plan: 7 steps for buyers and sellers

1. Create saved searches and price alerts on eBay/Mercari for targeted SKUs.
2. Sign up for retailer loyalty programs (Best Buy Totaltech, Target Circle, GameStop PowerUp) to catch early access and bundles.
3. Buy immediate-scan needs now—open-box works for gameplay; sealed for investment.
4. For investors, prioritize sealed, limited-run, or region-exclusive Amiibo and track price history.
5. When selling, price with fees and shipping in mind; offer tracked shipping and clear photos.
6. Watch restock announcements from Nintendo and big-box retailers—timing a sale shortly after a restock can avoid massive price drops.
7. Document provenance—keep receipts and box photos to help justify value to buyers.

Final verdict: buy now, wait, or hold?

If your goal is to enjoy New Horizons 3.0 content now, buy any compatible Splatoon or Zelda Amiibo you can find—used or open-box is fine for in-game scanning. If you’re investing, be selective: go after sealed, limited, or region-specific Zelda and Splatoon SKUs and be ready to hold until market conditions are favorable. Expect short-term shortages and price volatility through mid-2026; for many Amiibo, patient collectors win.

Resources & further reading

Stay tuned to official Nintendo announcements and community hubs for restock signals. Media outlets such as GameSpot reported on the New Horizons 3.0 Splatoon and Zelda Amiibo tie-ins (Jan 2026), which is a useful reference point for timing and demand analysis.

Call to action

Ready to act? Start with a focused watchlist: pick 3 Splatoon and 3 Zelda Amiibo targets (one for play, two for investment). Sign up for retailer alerts and set eBay/Mercari saved searches now—don’t let a post-update shortage blindside you. Share your watchlist in the comments or on our Discord; we’ll highlight restocks and vetted deals as they pop up.

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